Palm Springs isn’t just a desert getaway—it’s a natural playground brimming with wellness experiences, scenic hikes, and unforgettable excursions. Whether you’re craving wide-open trails, natural wonders, or a rejuvenating retreat, Palm Springs is the perfect starting point for your next outdoor adventure.
Explore the Best Hiking Trails Near Palm Springs
From dramatic canyon views to lush desert oases, Palm Springs hiking trails offer something for every level of explorer. Some of the best hikes near Palm Springs include:
- Indian Canyons: A must-visit for nature lovers. Located just minutes from downtown, Indian Canyon Palm Springs features winding trails through palm-lined canyons and alongside seasonal streams. Andreas Canyon and Palm Canyon are favorites for scenic beauty and cultural history.
- Tahquitz Canyon: A 2-mile loop trail that leads to a 60-foot waterfall and ancient rock art sites.
- Araby Trail: For panoramic views and a glimpse of Bob Hope’s famed estate, this moderate hike is both scenic and rewarding.
- Joshua Tree National Park: For those looking to explore further, a day trip is just under an hour away—ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and desert photography.
- Cahuilla Hills Park Trail: This hidden gem offers a moderate 3-mile loop with sweeping views of the Coachella Valley. The trail features diverse desert flora and is particularly stunning during wildflower season (March-April).
- Bump and Grind Trail: A challenging 2.4-mile hike that gains 800 feet in elevation, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the entire valley. Best tackled early morning or late afternoon to avoid desert heat.
- Murray Canyon Trail: Often called the “Seven Sisters” for its seven seasonal waterfalls, this 4-mile round-trip hike through Andreas Canyon leads to hidden pools and towering fan palms.
For those looking to explore further, a Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park day trip is just under an hour away—ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and desert photography. Popular Joshua Tree trails include Skull Rock (1.7 miles), Hidden Valley (1-mile loop), and the challenging Ryan Mountain (3 miles) for 360-degree desert views.
Outdoor Activities Near Avalon Palm Springs
Nestled in the heart of the historic Tennis Club neighborhood, Avalon Palm Springs is just steps from some of the area’s most captivating outdoor activities in Palm Springs. Whether you’re looking to break a sweat or simply soak up the sun, here are a few highlights right outside your door:
- VillageFest (Thursdays): Just a short walk from Avalon, this lively open-air market takes over downtown with local vendors, live music, and street food under the stars.
- Biking the Scenic Loop: Rent a cruiser and ride through the flat, palm-lined neighborhoods surrounding the hotel, or take on the more challenging climbs in the surrounding foothills.
- Moorten Botanical Garden: A five-minute drive from the hotel, this one-acre desert wonderland is home to over 3,000 species of cacti and desert plants.
- Palm Springs Art Museum Outdoor Sculpture Garden: Combine culture and fresh air at this tranquil open-air space showcasing desert-inspired modern art.
- Sunrise Yoga in the Courtyard: Avalon offers seasonal wellness programming including yoga and meditation in our lush garden courtyards—part of our philosophy as a boutique Palm Springs hotel.
- Downtown Walking Tours: Explore Palm Springs’ architectural heritage with self-guided tours of mid-century modern homes and buildings, including works by Albert Frey, Richard Neutra, and William Krisel.
- Tennis and Pickleball: Multiple public courts are within walking distance, including the Ruth Hardy Park courts and Indian Canyons Tennis Garden.
- Golf Adventures: Over 100 golf courses within 30 minutes of Avalon, from championship desert courses to executive par-3 layouts perfect for beginners.
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
A trip to Palm Springs isn’t complete without riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. In just 10 minutes, you’ll ascend over 8,500 feet into the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park, where alpine trails and panoramic desert views await. It’s a must-do for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Mountain Station Activities:
- Desert View Trail (easy, 0.75 miles): Wheelchair accessible with interpretive signs
- Nature Walk (easy, 1.5 miles): Perfect for families with young children
- Round Valley Trail (moderate, 3.2 miles): Leads to a meadow with seasonal wildflowers
- San Jacinto Peak Trail (strenuous, 11 miles): California’s second-highest peak at 10,834 feet
Seasonal Highlights: Winter brings snow activities including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring offers wildflower blooms at higher elevations. Summer provides cool mountain refuge from desert heat.
Avalon Palm Springs is one of the top-rated hotels near Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, offering a peaceful retreat just a short drive from the tram station.
